Scores of teammates, relatives, friends and others feasted on tacos Friday in support of young Ryker Curry.
Curry, 12, underwent surgery in February to repair a damaged heart valve after he complained of chest pain and eventually collapsed and passed out during a basketball practice.
Doctors diagnosed Curry with a congenital heart defect called anomalous coronary artery disease. Left unchecked, the disease is potentially fatal for young athletes.
With surgery in the rear view mirror, Curry’s parents, Heath and Heather, share optimism with Ryker’s doctors that his long-term prognosis is good.
He was cleared in May to resume his passion — playing baseball.
“Now, he’s trying to make up for lost time,” Heather Curry said.
Curry has been a part of several traveling baseball teams over the summer, including a 12-and-under squad that competed Saturday in Lee’s Summit, Mo. (They took first place.)
Ryker became reacquainted to the diamond quickly, his mother said.
“He gets tired easily still, but that’s more related to his long layoff,” she said.
His next checkup is in October.
With all the hustle and bustle, particularly during games, young Curry must carry with him an extra accessory.
Under doctor’s orders, he must have with him a portable defibrillator, a device that shocks the heart in case of a cardiac event.
“We have insurance, but of course, it doesn’t pay for everything,” Heather Curry said.
That led to Friday’s fundraiser, a taco bar set up at the Iola Elks lodge.
Organizers reported 226 meals were served, generating $2,251.
Streams of supporters filled the Elks back room, nearly all of whom offered up words of encouragement for the Currys.
